Differences between the BS and BA in Computer Science

The BS in Computer Science (BS in CS) is considered the science track and the BA in Computer Science (BA in CS) is considered the humanities track. Also the BS in CS degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, and the BA in CS degree is not. The department encourages students to pursue the BS in CS if they are capable of completing it. We believe there will be more opportunities for BS in CS students after graduation, such as working for engineering and science firms. However, we do believe there will be significant opportunities for BA in CS students who are primarily interested in applications outside the sciences and engineering. The BA in CS is also an excellent track for students who are double majoring in another field outside the sciences and engineering.

Because of reduced requirements in mathematics and theoretical computer science, the BA degree is not ABET accredited and students graduating with the BA in CS who wish to be admitted to the graduate program in CS at FSU may be required to take prerequisite undergraduate courses. This same policy is already in place for students who are admitted to graduate study in CS from other closely related majors, such as Mathematics and Computer Engineering.

Differences in course requirements:

The BS and BA degrees in Computer Science have several differences in course and graduation requirements:
  • Mathematics Requirements:
    The BS in CS requires MAC 2312 (Calculus II) and MAD 3105 (Discrete Mathematics II). These courses are not required for the BA in CS.
  • Statistics Requirement:
    The BS in CS requires STA 4442, STA 3032, or STA 4321. This is not required for the BA in CS.
  • Science Requirement:
    BS in CS students must complete 12 credit hours of science courses designed  for science majors.
    In contrast, BA in CS students may fulfill the Liberal Studies science requirement with 7 credit hours from an approved list of science courses.
  • Theory of Computation:
    The BS in CS requires COT 4420 (Theory of Computation), which has MAD 3105 as a prerequisite. This course is not required for the BA in CS.
  • Humanities Requirement:
    The BA in CS requires 9 credit hours of humanities courses, which are not required for the BS in CS.
  • Minor Requirement:
    The BA in CS requires a minor for graduation.
    The BS in CS includes a collateral interdisciplinary minor built into the program. BA in CS students will typically need to choose a minor in another discipline, which may overlap with the 9 hours of humanities and/or the additional elective hours.